Identifying Dependent and Independent Variables in Math

The video tutorial explains the concept of dependent and independent variables, using examples like a cell phone plan and a graph of hours worked versus money earned. It emphasizes identifying the independent variable first, as it initiates changes in the dependent variable.

What does the independent variable represent?

• A variable that is always a numerical value

• A variable that stands alone and starts the process

• A variable that changes based on another variable

• A variable that is not important in data analysis

What does the dependent variable depend on?

• The independent variable

• The researcher's decision

• The type of data collection method

• The hypothesis of the study

Why is it important to distinguish between independent and dependent variables?

• To make the data look more complex

• To calculate the exact values of variables

• To identify which variable is numerical

• To understand the cause-and-effect relationship

What is the dependent variable in the cell phone plan example?

• The total monthly cost

• The number of family members

• The type of phone plan

• The cost per person

In the cell phone plan example, what starts off the process of determining the cost?

• The number of family members needing coverage

• The number of phones

• The total monthly budget

• The choice of cell phone company

How does the cost change in the cell phone plan example?

• It increases, but the rate of increase changes

• It decreases as more family members are added

• It increases at a constant rate

• It remains constant regardless of the number of family members

Why is the number of family members considered the independent variable in the cell phone plan example?

• Because it is chosen by the cell phone company

• Because it determines the total cost

• Because it is a fixed number

• Because it varies from family to family

In the tutoring scenario, what is the independent variable?

• The age of the student being tutored

• The subject being tutored

• The number of hours worked

• The amount of money earned

What is the dependent variable in the tutoring scenario?

• The amount of money earned

• The location of the tutoring sessions

• The number of students tutored

• The subject of tutoring

What starts the process of determining earnings in the tutoring scenario?

• The hourly rate

• The number of hours tutored

• The total amount of money desired

• The number of students